Graduation 2015

A Message from the President of La Sierra University

Congratulations! We rejoice with you as you achieve your degree goal. Now is the time to celebrate all of your hard work, and to look forward to the next chapter of your life. I share your sense of accomplishment.

I assure you that your time studying here at La Sierra University was a wise investment in your future. You are now part of La Sierra’s legacy of leadership and service. Since our founding in 1922, our alumni have distinguished themselves as thinkers, teachers, researchers, lawyers, judges, healthcare professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs, ministers, and activists. Now is your time to make an impact on the world.

I would like to extend a warm invitation to you and your family to participate in the 2015 La Sierra University Graduation Weekend. Graduation is a highlight for the University, and this year we are looking forward to another memorable occasion. Graduation weekend is June 12-14, with services in the La Sierra University Church on Friday and Saturday, and on our historic Founders’ Green on Sunday morning.

La Sierra has prepared you well and now it is up to you to grasp new opportunities, define yourself and your place in the world, and make a difference to those who will look to you for leadership and support. I wish you God’s richest blessings for a fulfilling and rewarding future.

Guests with Disabilities

La Sierra University welcomes family members and guests with disabilities on Commencement Day, Sunday, June 15, 2014.

Accessible-seating, American Sign Language Interpreters and other reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities on Commencement Day. For information related to reasonable accommodations or answers to frequently asked disability-related questions, graduating students and guests should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) website at lasierra.edu/ods often as updated Commencement information will be posted as soon as it becomes available or by contacting the Office of Disability Services at ods@lasierra.edu or (951)785-2453.

Accessible seating on commencement day will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. La Sierra University will make every effort to accommodate parents and guests with disabilities on the morning of Commencement, however accessible seating is limited and advanced planning is strongly encouraged.

The accessible seating section just to the right of the main stage, as you are facing the front of the stage, is clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility.

Please review the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ's) below for information that will help to make your visit to La Sierra University and attendance at Commencement most enjoyable.

FAQs

Friday evening Consecration, Sabbath Church@Noon, and Sabbath afternoon Educators’ Dedication Service will all take place in the La Sierra University church, corner of Sierra Vista and Pierce. The Divinity School Consecration will take place in Matheson Chapel.

Conferring of Degrees will take place on Founders’ Green. While we always hope for a cool “June Gloom” type of morning for the Conferring of Degrees event, it can become very warm on the lawn if the day is sunny.

There is space for RVs in a lot by the Library; arrangements should be made by calling Campus Security, (951) 785-2222, prior to your arrival. Some local hotels include Ayres Inn, (951) 734-2140; Days Inn, (951) 358-2808. Ask for La Sierra rate.

Parking for LSU Church events is available at the church. For Sunday morning, security officers and traffic directors will be located throughout the campus, directing you to the various parking areas. If you need handicap parking on Sunday, notify a security guard upon your arrival to campus, and you will be directed to a reserved lot. All parking throughout the weekend is free, and the designations posted on parking lots indicating faculty or student parking will not be enforced.

Seating for Conferring of Degrees on Founders’ Green is available on a first-come, first-served basis. At least one family representative must be present to hold seats. All seats not occupied by 7:45 am must be released to others attending the event.

Orchid leis, bouquets and balloons will be sold on the main campus mall beginning no later than 7:00 a.m. on Sunday and concluding 30 minutes after the Commencement program. The florist accepts cash only.

The La Sierra University Bookstore will be open from 6:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. The store offers a variety of La Sierra memorabilia, film and disposable cameras, greeting cards, plus drinks and snacks.

La Sierra University is very proud of the accomplishments of each of our amazing students, so we want the ceremony to be a pleasant experience for everyone. The Conferring of Degrees ceremony features traditional academic regalia and requires proper decorum. Please respect the rights and feelings of other participants and guests by remaining in your seat until all of the graduates have been recognized and the ceremony has concluded. In consideration of the speakers no beach balls or other distracting objects will be allowed in the commencement venue. Pagers and cell phones should be turned off or to vibrate mode during the ceremony.

An area at the left side of the platform is available for taking photographs or video at the time of the diploma presentation. To provide availability for all, please limit your time in this area for just your special graduate/s. Graduates will receive their degrees in the?order printed in commencement program booklet.

All guests and grads are cordially invited to celebrate with faculty and administration at the post-Commencement receptions held by each school after the Conferring of Degrees ceremony. Light refreshments will be served.

Regalia Information

Students should pick-up their cap and gown at the campus bookstore beginning Monday of Dead Week. It’s best to pick-up regalia in plenty of time to try it for size and iron the wrinkles before Friday of Graduation weekend. Students will not be allowed to march without the proper attire. There is no additional charge for regalia.

Photography Information Commencement on Sunday

On Sunday morning, at 7am on the Library steps, a group photo of all graduates will be taken. After Graduation weekend, the photo will be available for free download on the Graduation webpage.

Professional Photos

Two professional photos will be taken of each graduate during the Commencement Program. The first will be as each graduate accepts his/her diploma from the President. The second will be a solo photo at the left side of the platform, before the graduate returns to his/her seat.

Photography Area

In addition, an area at the left side of the platform will be available for family/friends to take photographs or video at the time of the diploma presentation. To provide availability for all, please limit your time in this area for just your special graduate/s. Graduates will receive their degrees in the order printed in commencement program booklet.